KINGSHIP
The book of Samuel recounts for us today the anointing of David as king of Israel. It was the elders of Israel who declared David king that day, but it was God who called David to shepherd Israel. Thus mandated by the citizens of his kingdom and by his God, David took his place in a long line of kings.
The apostle Paul speaks to us of kingship as well, but on a much higher plane: the kingship of Jesus our Lord. As great as David was, he and all earthly monarchs who came before and after him in their kingdoms around the world are minor kings by comparison to the true King. And lastly, we hear the story of that true King in perhaps his weakest moment: near death, hanging on a cross, taunted by a common criminal and by the world at large.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.”
—Psalm 122:1
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Monday: Thirty-fourth or Last Week in Ordinary Time
Friday: St. Andrew
Saturday: Blessed Virgin Mary; First Saturday;
World AIDS Awareness Day
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Lk 21:1-4
Tuesday:Dn 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11
Wednesday:Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28;
Lk 21:12-19
Thursday:Dn 6:12-28; Lk 21:20-28
Friday:Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22
Saturday:Dn 7:15-27; Lk 21:34-36
Sunday:Is 2:1-5; Ps 122; Rom 13:11-14;
Mt 24:37-44
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The Lord said to David, “You shall shepherd my people Israel” (2 Samuel 5:1-3).
Psalm — Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122).
Second Reading — Thanks to the Father who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light (Colossians 1:12-20).
Gospel — Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:35-43).
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May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead you to everlasting life. Our parish community rejoices with you and gives praise to God for this new gift of life. God bless…
Jade McKenzie Pellicier, daughter of Priscilla and William.
 
Congratulations and may our Lord continue to bless you, guide you and keep you in His loving care!
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Sacrificial giving nurtures the spirit of the giver and helps to build a better world. Thank you for your support and generosity for last week's collection.
Last Sunday's Collection: $5,197.50
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Immaculate Conception Parish presents
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
We invite you to join us in the church for this wonderful seasonal tradition. You will enjoy an inspirational performance by the Adult Choir, Bell Choir and Children's Choir delivering a spiritual and joyful evening of music and song in collaboration with the scripture readings.
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Advent Wreath Lighting
As we approach the Advent Season, we are asking for families or individuals to participate in the Advent Wreath Lighting for all the Masses during the Advent Season. Participants would carry in the Advent candle and light it for the particular Mass that they signed up for and would also bring up the gifts of Bread and Wine.
Please click here, print the page, complete it and give it to Father Bogey or drop it in the collection basket.
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2007 Bishop's Annual Appeal
In Giving … We Receive
As we give thanks during this time of year for all of God's blessings, let us remember those families and individuals who are facing very difficult challenges in their lives. Thanks to our Catholic Charities agencies, thousands of people in need receive direct help. Your generous support of the 2007 Bishop's Annual Appeal funds the diocesan budget for these agencies that bring hope to so many. Count your blessings by counting yourself among the thousands of parishioners who support our Annual Appeal.
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Thank you for your contributions to the Thanksgiving Food Drive
Thank you and God bless you for your kindness in giving to the Thanksgiving Food Drive.
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Christmas Tree Sale at the School
Sat.Dec. 812:00 - 8:00 pm
Sun.Dec. 97:45 am - 2:00 pm
Fri.Dec. 14 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Sat.Dec. 15 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Sun.Dec. 168:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 17—Thur. Dec. 20 4:00 pm - close
Prices are: 5 - 6 ft $38, 6 - 8 ft $45,8 - 10 ft $50, 10 ft $85
Tree bags, lights and tree stands too!
Join us for caroling, hot chocolate and cookies while you pick out your tree!
Home and School Association Fundraiser
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First Grade CCD presents
Breakfast in Bethlehem
The First Grade CCD class will present Breakfast in Bethlehem on Saturday, December 1st at 9:30 a.m. in the Church.
The students are working hard to prepare for this joyous program depicting their version of the “First Christmas”.
Parishioners are invited to come enjoy the production. Please call the Rectory to inform Nadine Allen if you are planning to attend. Thank you!
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Support Immaculate Conception School
Final weeks!
tickets available for their giant 50/50!
Don't miss the chance to win up to $30,000. Contact an ICRS family or stop by the school office during school hours to purchase tickets. Drawing will be on December 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the lyceum.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration takes place the last Friday of each month from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ending with a blessing. Parishioners are encouraged to take time out of their busy day to spend quiet time in the presence of the Lord.
Please sign up for a time slot that you are available to assure that there is adequate coverage each hour. A sign-up sheet is kept on the podium next to the candle stand.
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program—LIHEAP
LIHEAP provides grants to eligible households that pay for home heat directly or have it included in rent.
Application period is from November 1 through March 31, eligible Food Stamp households are automatically enrolled. For further details call 1-888-454-4778.
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Church of the Good Shepherd
200 Route 23, Wantage, New Jersey, 973-875-0919
Christmas is Coming and so are Santa's Elves!
Come and join the merry elves for a fun-filled day of crafts for children of all ages at
Santa's Elf Workshop
Saturday, December 8, 10 am—4 pm
Make Christmas Ornaments, Decorate gingerbread houses and more! Homemade soups and holiday baked goods for sale. Prices range from .50 to 3.00 per activity. Proceeds will help Casting for Recovery, a breast cancer survivor outreach program.
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Christmas Dinner Dance
Catholic Divorced Ministry of the NACSDC Region III presents annual Christmas Mass and Dinner/Dance on Saturday, December 8th at St. James Church in Pennington, N.J. from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $35 in advance. No tickets sold at the door. Call Charlie at 201-986-9676 or email jacki518@comcast.net.
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Ministers are needed to teach Children's Liturgy. Children's Liturgy is offered at the Saturday, 5:00 p.m. Mass, and at the Sunday 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. If you have interest in becoming a minister for Children's Liturgy please contact Cynthia at 827-9575.
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Guardian Angels …
The servants of Christ are protected by invisible, rather than visible, beings. But if these guard you, they do so because they have been summoned by your prayers.
—St. Ambrose, fourth century
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meetings are held in the Ministry House once a month. The next Prayer Shawl meeting will take place on Monday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
New members are always welcome. No knitting/crochet experience necessary. Come join us to knit and pray as we create mantles of caring for the person who will receive the shawl.
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Grief Support Group
On the first Wednesday of each month Immaculate Conception Parish offers an ongoing Grief Support Group.
If you or someone you know has suffered a loss, please join us for the next meeting this Wednesday, Dec. 5th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20
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Parish Cookbooks
Your help to sell the many Parish Cookbooks that are available would be very much appreciated. Each book is only $10.00 and make nice gifts. To purchase, contact rectory at 973-827-9575. Thank you.
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Parish Nurse, Social Worker and Ministry Volunteers Breakfast
November 29th from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
Enjoy a fine breakfast at the Brownstone in Paterson while we listen to Dr. Jagdish Dang speak about the issues of depression in the elderly. Nursing Contact Credit available.
Cost is $15.00. Reservations must be made. Send a note requesting a reservation; include your name, address and phone number to Home Care Options, 2 Market Street, Paterson, N.J. 07501, 973-523-1224.
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Help reduce poverty in the United States
“Poverty Around Us”
new facts shared weekly
In 2006, 75% of private sector employers took some action to reduce healthcare costs, mostly by requiring that employees pay more for coverage. If you have coverage through work, has it been costing you more?
To learn more about poverty visit ...
www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty
www.actnow.org/docs/07/First-Things-First-New-Jersey.pdf
www.lsnj.org/PDFs/budget/FinalBenchmarksReport012507.pdf
www.njpp.org/rpt_fallingshort.html
Catholic Charities USA www.chm.catholicharities.org
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Pauline Trofimuk, Anna Elekes, Betty Swetz, Frank Kalafut.
At Home: Loraine Schenker, Maria Woppel, Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Flo Yurchak, Ethel Segarra, Mary Carmody and Lisa Stine.
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Please continue to keep all those serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers especially:
Jamison Micke, Stephen Saski, Jr., Christopher Faber, SFC Morgan McHose, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler, Tom Oroho and CPL Matt Lindquist.
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A Family Perspective
Today's gospel reminds us loyalty to Christ the King is not like Disney's Magic Kingdom. Admission to Christ's Kingdom is paid in the currency of acceptance, forgiveness, attention to the poor and love of one's enemy.
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Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Booster Club
Announces their 18th Annual
CRAFT SHOW
Saturday, December 1st
at the High School at 10 Grumm Road in Hamburg
located off of Route 94
All proceeds benefit the students of WVRHS through scholarships and support to student clubs. Call Terry, 973-827-1755 for further information.
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Ministry to the Homebound
If you are unable to come to Church or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion, please call Janice at the Rectory at 973-827-9575 and arrangements will be made to visit the home. Janice is in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Meals on Wheels
Your help is needed. Become a volunteer for Sussex County Meals on Wheels. By donating one hour a week of your time to help deliver meals in your community, you will enhance the wellbeing of a homebound senior citizen. For more information please call 973-209-0123 and speak with a volunteer recruiter.
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Open your ears…
Those who close their ears to the needy will themselves cry and not be heard.
—Old Hebrew proverb
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THE TEMPTATION TO CHOOSE ANOTHER CALLING
We can spend too much time wishing and trying to be something other than what life or God wants us to be. It is a great temptation simply because often it looks more glamorous or less painful. It was also the temptation of Jesus, as Luke's Gospel tells the tale. The religious leaders sneered, "He saved others, let him save himself" (Luke 23:35). And the soldiers jeered, "Save yourself " (23:37).
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INSIDE THE READINGS
The kingship of Jesus Christ is a theme carried forward from the Old Testament. "Christ" means "Messiah" or "Anointed." Jesus is the "Son of David," a direct descendant of the "anointed king of Israel" (2 Samuel 5:1-3). "Son of David" was a standard title for the Messiah in the time of Jesus. The blind beggar cries out to him as one petitions a king, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" (Luke 18:38).
The reading from the letter to the Colossians is one of the great hymns honoring Jesus Christ. His divine kingship is professed in such titles as "image of the invisible God" and "firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15). He is deserving of the title "king" because of his salvific death for all persons. He is "the firstborn from the dead" (1:18). He will "reconcile all things. . . making peace by the blood of his cross" (1:20).
Salvation is a principal theme in the Gospel of Luke and "savior" is an important title for Jesus. On Christmas Eve the angel said, "Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord" (Luke 2:11). In today's reading one of the criminals crucified with Jesus calls out, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us" (23:39). The Christian reader realizes that even though the words are spoken to mock Jesus, Christ will in fact become the savior of all.
A key point throughout Luke's Gospel is the teaching of Jesus that greatness in the kingdom is determined by service to others. At the Last Supper Jesus insisted, "[L]et the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant" (22:26). Jesus deserves to be called "king" because, as Savior, he takes care of the one need we all have that has eternal repercussions, namely forgiveness of our sins. He is both King and Savior.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Jesus on the cross was tempted to choose a calling other than the one given—he was tempted to save himself. If you and I call him king, it is because he was faithful to his calling not to save himself but to save us.
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Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 11/25/07

 

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